🌶️ Air Fryer Blackened Tilapia
If you’re craving something flavorful, fast, and healthy, this Air Fryer Blackened Tilapia is the perfect weeknight meal! With smoky spices, a touch of heat, and perfectly crispy edges, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your air fryer — no frying oil or mess required.
Tilapia cooks up beautifully in the air fryer — tender, flaky inside with a lightly charred crust that locks in all the bold Cajun-style seasoning. It’s a high-protein, low-carb dinner that’s done in under 20 minutes!
🐟 Ingredients
Tilapia:
- 4–6 tilapia fillets
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
Blackened Seasoning Rub:
- 3 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 10 minutes. This helps achieve that crispy blackened crust.
2. Make the Blackened Seasoning
In a medium bowl, combine smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, thyme, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well and set aside.
3. Prepare the Tilapia
Rinse the tilapia fillets and pat them completely dry with paper towels (this helps the seasoning stick).
Drizzle the fish with avocado oil and gently toss to coat. Drain off any excess oil.
4. Season the Fish
Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the blackened seasoning per fillet, coating both sides evenly. Shake off any excess spice to prevent burning in the air fryer.
5. Air Fry
Spray the air fryer basket with a little oil or nonstick spray.
Place the fillets in a single layer (don’t overcrowd). Lightly spray the tops of the fish with oil.
Air fry for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through if needed.
The fish is done when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your blackened tilapia with:
- Steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus
- Cauliflower rice or quinoa
- A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice
- A side of garlic aioli or light tartar sauce
Smoky, spicy, and perfectly flaky — this Air Fryer Blackened Tilapia will make you fall in love with healthy weeknight dinners all over again. 🌶️🐟✨
